Things You Wish You Had Known Prior to Ordering/Purchase

[benboy12]

Hi All,

I am a potential owner new to this forum and new to Kia. There is a good possibility that I will placing an order for a SX-P with the Nightfall Package in either Glacier White or Everlasting Silver. I am currently corresponding with multiple dealers on whether one will order one for me at MSRP. My question to your veterans is there anything you wish you had known or done differently prior to ordering or purchase? Also, what are owners' experiences with the interior colors? I am leaning towards staying away from black, living in Florida. What about the gray or dune brown (I believe there may be an Espresso color, too). Any accessories you have been really pleased with or wish you had/hadn't ordered? Anything from a dealer perspective of which I should be aware?

 

[EverlastingNightfall]

Don’t waste even a minute with a dealer that charging above MSRP. Dont be afraid to order out of your area. I talked to 25-30 dealers. All a waste of time. Ordered with a dealer 8 hours away. I’ll have to either ship it or fly and drive it back. Both of those options are easier to do than working with the shady dealers around me. Took me bit to figure that one out.

Since you’re working with a dealer charging MSRP, don’t wait to “order”. You’re not actually ordering anything at that point since these dealers have a waitlist of 10+, 20+, 30+ etc. Just pay your refundable deposit and get in the line.

 

[Kao]

1. I wish I had known to order earlier.
2. I wish I had known the Covid-19 virus would hit and delay builds for ~3 months.
3. I wish I had known the SXP was going to be so popular and that Kia didn't plan on building enough to meet demand.
4. I wish I had known that the Nightfall Edition builds would push my December 2019 order into a (hopefully) November 2020 delivery.

As for the actual vehicle, I can't offer any advice since I won't have it for 6-8 more weeks...(See Number 1 above)!

 

[NDBlackEX]

I prefer the Dune seats myself. The espresso interior comes with a fully brown dash for some reason. At least it used to... When you get gray seats, the lower half of the dash and console are gray. Some people like that, too many colors for me and the really light gray plastic looks really cheap to me in person. Particularly the grab handle area.

Mine came with the plastic cargo mat which is just ok. It's fine if you never use the 3rd row. It also came with the cargo cover which may work fine but I think it's really ugly.

The other thing about the back end of this thing is, it's really versatile if you aren't using any accessories. With the seats folding 60/40 and the floor behind the 3rd row being removable and stowable for more depth it really is versatile. Now, if you use a cargo mat, you can't drop the rear floor, if you get the cargo cover, it stores under the rear floor. There are certain kinds of rear mats that don't allow you to fold up the rear seats without removing the mat completely.

I purchased the all weather Kia mats on ebay and have been pleased so far. Most accessories are available on ebay or the same price at the dealer as when you order. Some accessories are best factory installed like illuminated sill plates.

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[Stingme]

I usually ALWAYS have black interior, but I’m not really liking the gray headliner to be honest... I originally ordered white with black sxp, now I have found a white with butterscotch sx and I think I’m going to love it!! (Mainly bc the headliner differences)

 

[Frankie Knuckles]

Hi All,

I am a potential owner new to this forum and new to Kia. There is a good possibility that I will placing an order for a SX-P with the Nightfall Package in either Glacier White or Everlasting Silver. I am currently corresponding with multiple dealers on whether one will order one for me at MSRP. My question to your veterans is there anything you wish you had known or done differently prior to ordering or purchase? Also, what are owners' experiences with the interior colors? I am leaning towards staying away from black, living in Florida. What about the gray or dune brown (I believe there may be an Espresso color, too). Any accessories you have been really pleased with or wish you had/hadn't ordered? Anything from a dealer perspective of which I should be aware?

Welcome to the forum! There is a lot of useful information and discussion on ordering and on accessories which can help you decide. I am still waiting on my Telly so not a lot to offer as far as actually experiencing it.

 

[benboy12]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone! I went to my local dealership and drove a Telluride tonight and loved it. They actually have what I want coming in, but they want to charge a $4400 ADM. I have been communicating with several dealers and one about 2.5 hours away thinks he can order one for me for MSRP, and estimates 5-6 weeks until delivery. I am going to call him tomorrow, and as long as there isn't anything odd (random dealer fees, etc.) I will probably place an order for a Glacier White SX-P with the Nightfall Package.

For those that are custom ordering, did you place a deposit down? What is typical amount? Is it typically refundable? Did you do it over the phone via credit card? Do they give you some type of buyer's order to sign? Is there any correlation to certain add-ons delaying build/delivery?

 

[Familyman20]

Don't pay that markup unless you have money to burn on an already depreciating asset or if you need a vehicle sooner than later. Everyone's situation is different but there are resources here to find msrp dealers.
And unless they've got a GWP already allocated expect a custom order take 5-6 months, not weeks.
$500-1000 refundable deposit is the norm, over the phone is ok. They can email you the receipt. And No, you're not required to perform a credit check during this stage, 1st red flag to run in opposite direction if they do.
Ask them to send you a dealer price worksheet listing out all their required packages, warranties etc. GL
Oh and the Prestige package seems to be taking longer than most other packages/trims. Nightfall is everywhere now as they seem to be cranking those out like its going out of style!

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[EverlastingNightfall]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone! I went to my local dealership and drove a Telluride tonight and loved it. They actually have what I want coming in, but they want to charge a $4400 ADM. I have been communicating with several dealers and one about 2.5 hours away thinks he can order one for me for MSRP, and estimates 5-6 weeks until delivery. I am going to call him tomorrow, and as long as there isn't anything odd (random dealer fees, etc.) I will probably place an order for a Glacier White SX-P with the Nightfall Package.

For those that are custom ordering, did you place a deposit down? What is typical amount? Is it typically refundable? Did you do it over the phone via credit card? Do they give you some type of buyer's order to sign? Is there any correlation to certain add-ons delaying build/delivery?

Don’t pay the markup, go with the guy ordering at MSRP. 6 week turnaround is fantastic if he accurate. I’m waiting 6 months probably.

Deposit should always be refundable and typically you make it with a credit card so you could always do a charge back. If the dealer is up front on the price though, they aren’t going to try to swindle you out of a small deposit. Deposit should be $500-$1000 range. Nothing to sign yet, once the car actually comes in do you do all the paperwork.

Apparently orders with nightfall are getting filled faster than those without. Since you already want that option, you’ll be in a good spot.

 

[benboy12]

Don’t pay the markup, go with the guy ordering at MSRP. 6 week turnaround is fantastic if he accurate. I’m waiting 6 months probably.

Deposit should always be refundable and typically you make it with a credit card so you could always do a charge back. If the dealer is up front on the price though, they aren’t going to try to swindle you out of a small deposit. Deposit should be $500-$1000 range. Nothing to sign yet, once the car actually comes in do you do all the paperwork.

Apparently orders with nightfall are getting filled faster than those without. Since you already want that option, you’ll be in a good spot.

Thank you! And yes, I’d rather wait than pay the ADM. I sent an email with what I’m looking for and told him I’d call him tomorrow. I’m hoping he is right about the 6 weeks. I have a road trip planned in about 7 weeks, and would love to have it by then.

Do people usually get a trade in estimate during this stage?

 

[EverlastingNightfall]

Thank you! And yes, I’d rather wait than pay the ADM. I sent an email with what I’m looking for and told him I’d call him tomorrow. I’m hoping he is right about the 6 weeks. I have a road trip planned in about 7 weeks, and would love to have it by then.

Do people usually get a trade in estimate during this stage?

Good luck! Yes I would get a trade in estimate now. If it’s low, try carvana, car max, vroom etc

 

[G-417125]

I usually ALWAYS have black interior, but I’m not really liking the gray headliner to be honest... I originally ordered white with black sxp, now I have found a white with butterscotch sx and I think I’m going to love it!! (Mainly bc the headliner differences)

I just got my white XS with butterscotch interior and I really LOVE it! Kia did a great job with this colorway!

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[w8rner]

All great info. If you are adding accessories, be certain of what you want because you can’t change it once it is filled in KFOS.

 

[benboy12]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. The dealer I was working with wants to charge a $1k non-refundable deposit and changed the target time frame to 3-4 months. I don't really feel comfortable with being that locked in, especially since we are talking in terms of months now. I decided to monitor fail cat for now and e-mail dealers within an 8 hour radius when I see my first, second, or third color choices.

 

[NDBlackEX]

Thanks for all of the help everyone. The dealer I was working with wants to charge a $1k non-refundable deposit and changed the target time frame to 3-4 months. I don't really feel comfortable with being that locked in, especially since we are talking in terms of months now. I decided to monitor fail cat for now and e-mail dealers within an 8 hour radius when I see my first, second, or third color choices.

It doesn't hurt to get an order in with a refundable deposit then find a couple of dealers where the pricing is good and keep emailing your salesman at each dealer every couple weeks asking them to let you know if anything comes available.

People back out and some dealers call someone on their waiting list with orders placed and some call people who are actively looking. The dealer snags a new customer and the people waiting are none the wiser. If you stumble upon an opportunity to buy, cool. If not, you've got one coming.

 

[CaptChrisP]

I have a Black Nightfall SX with the Butterscotch interior. I love it!

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[My Car is a 2001]

Great question and hopefully this thread uncovers lots of useful information for prospective buyers.

Key things to know:

• Be patient. The journey to owning a Telluride will have plenty of ups and downs that will undoubtedly test your patience. Strap in and be ready to play the long game.
• Place your order as soon as you find a dealer with whom you're comfortable purchasing.
• The hardest part of the wait, and biggest unknown, is graduating from Kdealer (order taken) to KFOS (order accepted).
• Ask your dealer the right questions to get a true sense of wait time:
  • How many orders are in front of you in the trim that you want? (eg. EX FWD, SX AWD, S FWD, etc)
  • How many total allocations do they receive per month?
  • How many allocations of the trim you want do they receive per month?
• A deposit should be $500 - $1000 max. It most definitely should be refundable. Don't let a dealership take your money for nothing.
• Communicate. Some dealers aren't good at all when it comes to communication. Don't be afraid to keep them honest, but also give them a chance to do their job.
• Some dealers might offer Costco pricing so check the Costco Auto Program or ask your dealer if they participate.
• Definitely don't feel pressured to pay above MSRP.
• Tellurides with Nightfall added have been getting priority and faster deliveries recently.
• Non-Nightfall SXPs have seen dramatically reduced output, although there seems to be a slight uptick the last few days.
• Kia seems to be limiting PIO to 6 total. Members have recently been sharing that options have been left off their orders, myself included.

I'm sure there's more, but this is what came immediately to mind. Good luck!

 

[Tobstertx3]

Great question and hopefully this thread uncovers lots of useful information for prospective buyers.

Key things to know:

• Be patient. The journey to owning a Telluride will have plenty of ups and downs that will undoubtedly test your patience. Strap in and be ready to play the long game.
• Place your order as soon as you find a dealer with whom you're comfortable purchasing.
• The hardest part of the wait, and biggest unknown, is graduating from Kdealer (order taken) to KFOS (order accepted).
• Ask your dealer the right questions to get a true sense of wait time:
  • How many orders are in front of you in the trim that you want? (eg. EX FWD, SX AWD, S FWD, etc)
  • How many total allocations do they receive per month?
  • How many allocations of the trim you want do they receive per month?
• A deposit should be $500 - $1000 max. It most definitely should be refundable. Don't let a dealership take your money for nothing.
• Communicate. Some dealers aren't good at all when it comes to communication. Don't be afraid to keep them honest, but also give them a chance to do their job.
• Some dealers might offer Costco pricing so check the Costco Auto Program or ask your dealer if they participate.
• Definitely don't feel pressured to pay above MSRP.
• Tellurides with Nightfall added have been getting priority and faster deliveries recently.
• Non-Nightfall SXPs have seen dramatically reduced output, although there seems to be a slight uptick the last few days.
• Kia seems to be limiting PIO to 6 total. Members have recently been sharing that options have been left off their orders, myself included.

I'm sure there's more, but this is what came immediately to mind. Good luck!

Great summary. This is excellent for new buyers!

 

[rbfromma]

Great question and hopefully this thread uncovers lots of useful information for prospective buyers.

Key things to know:

• Be patient. The journey to owning a Telluride will have plenty of ups and downs that will undoubtedly test your patience. Strap in and be ready to play the long game.
• Place your order as soon as you find a dealer with whom you're comfortable purchasing.
• The hardest part of the wait, and biggest unknown, is graduating from Kdealer (order taken) to KFOS (order accepted).
• Ask your dealer the right questions to get a true sense of wait time:
  • How many orders are in front of you in the trim that you want? (eg. EX FWD, SX AWD, S FWD, etc)
  • How many total allocations do they receive per month?
  • How many allocations of the trim you want do they receive per month?
• A deposit should be $500 - $1000 max. It most definitely should be refundable. Don't let a dealership take your money for nothing.
• Communicate. Some dealers aren't good at all when it comes to communication. Don't be afraid to keep them honest, but also give them a chance to do their job.
• Some dealers might offer Costco pricing so check the Costco Auto Program or ask your dealer if they participate.
• Definitely don't feel pressured to pay above MSRP.
• Tellurides with Nightfall added have been getting priority and faster deliveries recently.
• Non-Nightfall SXPs have seen dramatically reduced output, although there seems to be a slight uptick the last few days.
• Kia seems to be limiting PIO to 6 total. Members have recently been sharing that options have been left off their orders, myself included.

I'm sure there's more, but this is what came immediately to mind. Good luck!

Excellent summary!! Very useful and spot on.

 

[jenrose7777]

Thank you! And yes, I’d rather wait than pay the ADM. I sent an email with what I’m looking for and told him I’d call him tomorrow. I’m hoping he is right about the 6 weeks. I have a road trip planned in about 7 weeks, and would love to have it by then.

Do people usually get a trade in estimate during this stage?

May I ask which dealership? Looking for one now that won't charge the ADM